Petr Cech became the first Chelsea player to exit Euro 2008, his late error contributing to the most dramatic match of the tournament so far.

The Czech Republic lost 3-2 to Turkey having been 2-0 up with just 15 minutes remaining as Sunday brought Group A to a close.

Any hopes the Czechs had of playing out the game quietly on a wet night in Geneva disappeared when Arda Turan scored with a low shot past Cech's right hand to half the deficit
Then with 86 minutes gone, Cech came for Hatim Altintop's right wing cross and failed to catch, Nihat turning the loose ball into an empty net.

Both sides needed a win to make the quarter-finals and Turkey, who utilised five players from Chelsea's Champions League opponents Fenerbahçe, made the most of the lifeline they had been handed.

Villarreal striker Nihat crashed in a winner off the crossbar just two minutes after the equaliser and with a minute of normal time remaining.

There were still enough seconds left for Turkey to lose their goalkeeper Volkan to a red card but even with an outfielder between the posts, they survived to go through.

Cech had been a near spectator in the opening 45 minutes, not facing a shot until 16 minutes had passed - that Turkish attempt flying wide. His first significant action was an assertive double-fist punch on a corner on 35 minutes.

By then the Czechs had taken the lead through veteran totem Jan Koller who headed in with 33 minutes on the clock.

A goal down at the interval, the Turks upped the pressure.

Cech saved a header from Middlesbrough striker Tuncay and made several good claims before the Chelsea keeper's side increased the lead. Jaroslav Plasil scored in the 62nd minute with Turkey temporarily down to 10 men through injury.

The Czech side then hit the post before the incredible Turkish comeback began.

In Group A's other game, Chelsea's next manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, chose to make eight changes to a Portugal side already assured of top spot.

Ricardo Carvalho and José Bosingwa were among those rested on the bench but Paulo Ferreira retained the left-back role to earn his 50th cap.

However his night ended early when he was substituted after 41 minutes having been booked.

Portugal lost 2-0 to already-eliminated Swizterland, Hakan Yakin netting a brace. It was their first defeat in 14 competitive matches.

The Portuguese discover tomorrow who they will face in the first quarter-final on Thursday.

The Group B runners up spot is being contested by Poland, Austria and Michael Ballack's Germany.